Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the BLP vacation scheme - although it was an incredibly steep learning curve it was a great opportunity to contextualise my legal knowledge in a work environment. I would definitely recommend trying to get on a vacation scheme if you're interested in pursuing a career in law.

I think that I was as valued as I could have been given my junior level of experience - I didn't really expect to havea red carpet rolled out for our arrival! That being said, everyone was incredibly friendly and any work that I was given was always appreciated by whomever I was doing it for.

Despite the fact that my trainee buddy in my first week was incredibly busy he always made time to explain what was going on and involve me in the work. I was lucky enough to sit with a partner, who again despite being very busy, was more than happy to offer guidance on the work and explain how it all fitted in to the bigger picture and to involve me where possible - this was something that definitely exceeded my expectations purely because of a partners workload!

Not really applicable as I am writing the review towards the end of the placement. That being said, it was a great induction into office life, keeping up with workloads and generally how to survive in a busy corporate environment.

I was always kept busy and was never sat around twiddling my thumbs.

Despite it being a very busy time in the office everyone was very positive and friendly, all of the trainees actively included me in social plans and discussion at lunch etc - everyone from junior to senior level was very friendly.

As much as could be expected for a two week placement - I was familiarised with IT systems and the different programs used. There were however department talks throughout the two weeks and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the firm.

Great insight into working with the firm - well rounded discussions with trainees who were happy to discuss positives and negatives, and senior management dealt with the recent redundancy programme head on in one of the presentations (as no one wanted to ask the Managing Partner about it!). In addition I got a good insight into the variety of work available, the support given regarding professional development and opportunities for professional growth.

Covered in the preceeding questions.

I already knew that I wanted to pursue a career in a City corporate/commercial firm, so wasn't looking for a defining or formative experience in that sense. That being said, it confirmed what I already thought about the job and the lifestyle that comes with it.

I was paid at a rate on par with most City firms offering vacation schemes, meaning it was possible for me to take up the offer without worrying too much about how I was going to fund it.

Met plenty of trainees, associates and partners throughout the scheme - the firm has a very flat, non-hierarchical structure making it very easy to approach all members of a department from junior to senior level.

At the start I think I would have liked more opportunities to socialise, but actually I think the balanec between work and socialising was struck just right - not sure I could have coped with any more given how busy I was!

Not really - although we did participate in some CSR, would have been good to find out more about what employees did in their free time in and around London. That being said, its also very easy to find out for yourself.

Absolutely- great opportunity to get to know the firm and its culture better so as to make an informed decision about your career should you be offered a training contract.